If you are in a position where you are in need of stable, low-cost housing, the options can seem pretty confusing. If you are unable to secure housing on your own, you may have some additional options to consider. Through HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), you may be eligible for different government programs to assist you in moving forward. Here are some of the available programs according to HUD’s website:

1. Privately Owned Subsidized Housing: HUD assists apartment owners to offer lower rent to low-income tenants, helping you to afford your rent more readily.

2. Public Housing: This option can be offered to low-income families, persons with disabilities and the elderly. This housing can be owned by the government and/or non profit organizations with the intention of providing housing to those in need.

3. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): This is the most well known offering the government has for very low-income families, elderly and disabled persons. The intention of section 8 housing is to help those eligible to find safe, sanitary housing of different styles (single family homes, townhomes, apts, etc). This offers the participant (you) more freedom to choose their housing and does not require them to be in a specific complex or area. Vouchers are allotted by local Public Housing agencies and are funded by HUD. The owner of the property must agree to participate and the home must meet certain criteria to ensure it’s suitability. Eligibility is based on gross income and family size. You can check your eligibility and get more information by contacting your local Public Housing Agency or HUD directly.

If you are looking for more information or assistance, HUD sponsors multiple counseling agencies throughout the country who may be able to assist you. Access these resources by visiting the HUD website and check out their “what we do” section for even more information and tools.

Surprisingly, housing resources provided by the Federal government help only about 25% of eligible households,  leaving a large need for more affordable housing options in our country.  Many states and some of the larger U.S. cities have turned to their own revenue to assist in funding low-income rental housing programs. The National Low Income Housing Coalition has found over 300 active programs and has created a one of a kind resource that includes programs separate from those that are federally funded. 

While some people in a tough spot will qualify for assistance, others who are struggling don’t quite meet the criteria for aid but don’t have the means to afford the typical housing available. In those cases, it may take some creativity and sacrifice, but you can find a way to make things work.

Some ideas to consider. While they may not work for everyone, could be:

• Temporarily move in with a friend or family member while you budget carefully to put away the funds you need to move. If you have a set plan and stick to the budget, this doesn’t need to be for long and you can set a target move out date ahead of time.
• Reduce the number of bedrooms you require or the amenities you need. Again, while there may be criteria that are ideal for you, they may not always be available in the price range you are looking in. So while you are working to increase your income and savings or eliminate your debt, grab the bare minimum for rental needs that you need to further you toward your goal. Sell items that won’t fit and you don’t need on sites like offerup and letgo. This will reduce your need to store items and will get you further along to your savings goals at the same time. Again, if you track your budget carefully and plan for it, it won’t be long until you are in the housing you want.
• Rent a room (or 2) in a house. Rooms go up for rent all the time in various neighborhoods with different amenities offered. Do some research and find a room for rent situation with someone who isn’t home much or travels for work. You may be able to get an increased amount of privacy for a fraction of the cost.
• When you or your family are in a situation whereTemporary Transitional Housing programs you face imminent eviction or risk homelessness, it’s imperative that you utilize programs in place to help you in your time of need. are one resource that you can take advantage of.

Remember that these sacrifices don’t need to be long term or permanent, but they can work in a pinch. Just keep your goals in sight and keep working toward them consistently and you will get there!